Washing and cleaning apparatus



OC- 8 1968 c. J. DONOVAN ET AL 3,404,419

WASHING AND CLEANING APPARATUS l m, a y

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 22, 1966 Y INVENTORS CHARLES J.' DONOVAN BY @oaf/:r E. Fou/Lm 727m., 7 Trame-y.:

Oct. 8, 1963 C, J. DONOVAN ET AL 3,404,419

' l WASHING AND CLEANINGAPPARATUS Filed July 22, 1966 y I `5 sheets-sheet z c/MRL Es J. oo/vovA/v' BY ROBERT E FOWL El? ,4 from/sys.'

Oct. 8, 1968 c. L DONOVAN ET AL 3,404,419

WASHING AND (JLEANNG APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed July 22, 1966 INVENTOR` CHARLES J NVAN BY QBERT E FOM/ER Oct. 8, 1968 c. J. DONOVAN ET AL 3,404,419

WASHING AND CLEANING APPARATUS Filed July 22, 1966 INVENTORS CHADLES JDON'OId/V ROBERT E. FQWLER Mf TTRNEYJ Oct. 8, 1968 c. J. DONOVAN ET AL 3,404,419 i I Y WASHING ANDV CLEANING APPARATUS H156 July 22. 196s 5 sheets-sheet 5 Plas mvENTons cir/Muss .zoowww l By maf/ar s. Fame@ A TTORNEYS United States Patent() 3,404,419 WASHING AND CLEANING APPARATUS Charles J. Donovan, 9 Stocker Ave., and Robert E. Fowler, 19 Lockwood St., both of Haverhill, Mass. 01830 Filed July 22, 1966, Ser. No. 567,190 7 Claims. (Cl. 15--3.13)

ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus for cleaning large quantities of articles regardless of configuration which employs an inclined revolving drum having resilient scrubbing members suitably arranged therein rotatably supported within a tank containing a suitable washing solution, the tank having conveyor means adjacent the lower end of the drum for removing the cleaned articles and recirculation and filter means for the washing solution, the entire apparatus being powered by an explosion-proof motor and driven by a frictionless transmission system to eliminate the danger of fire.

` This invention relates generally to improvements in apparatus for washing and cleaning articles and, more particularly, to improved apparatus for continuously, rapidly and thoroughly washing and cleaning a succession of articles, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, in large quantities.

In many areas of production it is necessary to thoroughly clean or wash the finished article prior to releasing it for public consumption or to clean or wash a part or element thereof as an intermediate step in the production process.

Apparatus of the type here Concerned generally ernploy mechanical cleaning apparatus of the motor driven or manual type in conjunction with a fluid washing medium, and means for conveying the articles to be washed through the apparatus in continuous successive fashion. For the most part, the apparatus employed in the prior art are generally limited in utility and effectiveness because the prior art apparatus have been designed for limited use in very specialized areas of production where the articles to be cleaned or washed have particular sizes, shapes and other particular physical properties.

For example, the apparatus heretofore used .for cleaning golf balls employ very special conveying and cleaning means which are not suitable for washing articles having other than generally symmetrical configurations.

This limitation is also present in the apparatus heretofore employed for the cleaning of fruit. Moreover, because fruit is a highly perishable commodity, the uid medium employed must be such as to wash the fruit without adversely affecting its edibility.

Usually, a good deal of grit and foreign matter accumulates on and adheres to the articles to be cleaned, and, in many such instances, strong solvents must be utilized if the articles are to be rapidly and thoroughly cleaned. Such solvents are usually highly inflammable and can be used only in environments which ensure against the possibility of fire or explosion and which are also resistant to corrosion. The prior art apparatus do not present such an environment and are therefore entirely unsuitable for use with such solvents.

It is, therefore, a general object of the instant invention to provide improved apparatus of the type characterized which does not have these limitations and deficiencies and many others which are inherent in the prior art.

It is a more particular object of the instant invention toprovide improved apparatus of the type characterized which is capable of continuously, rapidly and throughly 3,404,419 Patented Oct. 8, 1968 ICC washing in large quantities, a succession of articles having both symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations.

It is a further object of this invention to provide improved apparatus of the type characterized which provides a fire and explosion proof environment for washing solutions of an infiammable nature.

It is still a further object of the instant invention to provide improved apparatus of the type characterized which is capable of performing an intermediate step in a continuous mechanized production process.

It is still another object of the instant invention to provide improved apparatus of the type characterized which is capable of re-using the washing solution whereby considerable savings in costs can be achieved.

It is yet another object of the instant invention to provide improved apparatus of the type characterized which is relatively simple in construction and operation and is easy and inexpensive to maintain.

These and other objects, features and advantages are accomplished, according to the invention, by the novel techniques, arrangements and combinations of elements hereinafter fully described and particularly recited in the claims, and will become more apparent therefrom.

A detailed description of the invention is made by reference to a typical embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawing which forms a part of the specifcation, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View, partially in section, of apparatus for carrying out the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional View taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is an elevational View, partially in section, illtclstrating the apparatus of FIGURE 1 from its discharge en FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 1 illus-trating, diagrammatically, the cleaning drum employed as part of the apparatus;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary isometrical view of the conveyor portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG- URE l;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the drum drive-mechanism of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged top plan view of the conveyor drive-mechanism of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a drum bearing wheel employed as a part of the apparatus of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged View in perspective of a portion of the interior of the cleaning drum.

Turning now to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference charac-ters are employed to designate like parts throughout the several figures, the articles which are to be cleaned, e.g., plastic heels for womens shoes, are fed into an inclined revolving cleaning drum 10' p0- sitioned within a tank 11 Via an inclined chute or hopper 12 which is inserted in end wall 11D of the tank adjacent the upper end of the drum. The drum is opened at both of its ends and is provided with a suitable number of resilient cleaning or scrubbing members such as the four brushes 13 illustrated in the drawing. The brushes are secured to the interior wall of the drum and are positioned on their sides (see FIGURE 10) with their bristles extending in the direction of rotation of the drum (see FIGURE Q). Brushes 13 are disposed in a staggered relationship along the longitudinal axis of the drum and are skewed at an angle with respect to said axis. It will be understood that the type and configuration of the resilient scrubbing members may vary depending upon the type of article being cleaned and its shape or configuration.

Tank 11, which has a general rectangular configuration e 3 and is open at the top, is partially filled with a washing solution. This solution should have as one of its active ingredients a solvent which will effectively dissolve and remove the accumulations of grit and other foreign matter which is adhered to the articles being cleaned. Because such solvents are usually highly inflammable in nature, the apparatus is specifically designed to provide an explosion and reproof environment for the solution and the materials employed in the construction of the apparatus should, as will be understood, have these characteristics.

Solvents useful in the practice of the invention for washing plastic heels for womens shoes are, for example, Baystix #25M Heel Wash and Master Chemical Products Plastic Heel Wash #25XX.

Drum is disposed within the tank so that its scrubbing members are immersed in the washing solution at some point, at least, during each rotation of the drum. The articles moving in rapid and continuous fashion towards the discharge end of the drum under the force of gravity, are subjected to a lifting, scrubbing and tumbling action by scrubbing brushes 13. Upon leaving the lower end of the drum, the articles are immediately deposited onto a conveyor 14 which lifts -them out of the tank and deposits them without.

`Conveyor 14 is positioned within the tank adjacent its inclined rear end wall 11A. The conveyor includes a continuous flexible conveyor belt 15 provided with a plurality of rectangular buckets 16 depending outwardly therefrom at spaced intervals along its surface. Each bucket 16 is open at what may be called its top in order to receive the articles as they exit from the drum and is formed with a plurality of apertures to permit the washing solution to pass therethrough and remain in the tank. The lower end of conveyor belt 15 passes around an idler roller or drum 17 which is rotatably secured 4to a pair of supporting brackets 18 which are, in turn, secured to the bottom of the tank. Idler roller 17 and its supporting brackets 18 are positioned within the tank so that buckets 16 pass in close proximity to the bottom of the lower end of the drum as they move up towards the top of the tank. Similarly, the upper end of the conveyor belt passes around a driving roller or drum 19. Driving roller 19 is rotatably mounted between a pair of upper supporting brackets 20 which are secured to a platform 53 bridging the tank between its side walls 11B and 11C. The driving roller and its supporting brackets are positioned with respect to the idler roller so that the conveyor extends upwardly away from drum 10 in an inclined plane parallel to inclined end wall 11A but is spaced suiciently apart from the rear end wall 11A of the tank to permit the buckets to move back down into the tank without being obstructed thereby. Idler roller 17 and driving roller 19 should be of a composition which is resistant to the corrosive effect of the washing solution. The bearings in which idler roller 17 are journaled are of a conventional type but should be of the type which do not require lubrication so that the corrosive action of the washing solution will not adversely affect their operation.

Drum 10 is rotatably supported within the tank by a series of wheels arranged so that the drum can rotate about its longitudinal axis while remaining in a fixed position. A thrust wheel ,21 serving to support the lower end of cleaning drum 10 is rotatably secured to a transverse supporting member 22 bridging the top of the tank between its side walls 11B and 11C. Wheel 21 is in rolling and supporting contact with the annular rim of the lower end of the drum directly above its longitudinal axis. Thus, the axis of rotation of wheel 21 perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis of the drum.

There are additionally six other support wheels serving, in conjunction with thrust wheel 21, to maintain drum 10 in a fixed position within the tank during rotation. A pair of supporting wheels 23 are positioned at the underside of the drum adjacent its lower end. A second pair of support wheels 24 are positioned at the underside of the drum adjacent its upper end. The axes of rotation of each pair of wheels are equi-distant` from the longitudinal axis of the drumy and extend parallel to said axis as illustrated in FIGURE 9. Similarly, a pair of wheels 25 are positioned at the upper side of the drum also with their axes extending parallel to and equi-distant from the axis of the drum. Wheels 23vand. 24 prevent the drum from falling to :the vbottom lofthe tank and from tilting or rotating vertically.` Wheels25. serve to hold the drum down and prevent it from tilting; Each of the wheels is rotatably supported `between a pair of brackets 26 which are secured to appropriate supporting members. Because cleaning drum 10 is inclined within the tank, each pair of Vbrackets is shaped or bent in the manner shown in FIGURE 9 to permit the axis of rotation of their associated wheel to extend parallel to the axis of the drum. Y Y

The washing solution is continuously being removed from the tank, filtered, and returned after filtration back to the tank for re-use. The solution recirculation system employed for this purpose includes a solution outlet pipe-v line 27 leading from the interior of the tank adjacent the bottom of the conveyor to a filter 28; a pump 29 connected to the filter via a pipeline 30; and a solution return pipeline 31 extending from the pump along the outside of side wall 11B to end wall 11D through which it enters the tank adjacent hopper 12. Pump 29 is driven by a motor 32 of the explosion-proof type. The filter, pump and motor are located outsideof the tank adjacent rear end wall 11A and are lmounted on a frame portion 33 extending from the tank proper. The Ireturn line may be supported by a series of brackets (not shown) secured to the wall of the tank. An observation cartridge 35 is inserted as a part of solution -return line 31 so that periodic checks can be made to ascertain if the solution has been properly filtered as a means for determining whether or not the filter is functioning properly.

Referring to FIG-URE 7 of the drawing specifically, the transmission system employed for rotating the clean# ing drum is driven by an explosion-proof motor 36. Motor 36 and its associated transmission system are mounted upon an inclined supporting framework or platform 37 comprising a series of transverse members and supporting brackets bridging the top of the tank at its forward end near end wall 11D. Platform 37 is inclined from the,

horizontal so that the various transmission shafts mounted thereon extend parallel to the cleaning drum axis of rotation. As mentioned hereinabove, the apparatus is specifically designed to provide a fire and explosion proofy environment for the washing solution. As such, the shafts employed in the transmission system are of the chain driven type thus precluding the generation of static elec-` tricity or sparks which could occur with the use ofa pulley system or any other type of friction drive system.

A sprocket wheel 38 is mounted on the driveshaft 39 of -motor 36. Sprocket 38 engages a chain 40 which in,

turn engages a large second sprocket wheel 41 mounted on a second shaft 42. Shaft 42 is provided at its end' duced diameter mounted at its end which engages a thirdA chain 48. Chain 48 engages a sixth'sprocketwheel. 49

mounted on a drum drive shaft 50 which extends through the front end wall 11D of the thankv to l'ie adjacent-the cylindrical wall ofdrum 10 in a parallel relationship withv the drum axis. Drum 10 is dri-ven by a pinion gear 51.

mounted on drufm drive shaft 50. Pinion.51 engages a ring gear 52 encircling the outer surface ofthe drum. in

a plane which is perpendicularly intersectedby the ,drumI axis of rotation. Thus, a frictionless transmission system,y is employed for rotating the drum.

The conveyor transmission system is also of the chain driven type. This system is mounted upon open frame-t work or platform 53 which bridges the open top of the Ytank adjacent its discharge end near end wall 11A. Re-

ferring `to FIGURE 8 specifically, an explosion-proof motor 54 is employedfor driving the transmission systern. The transmission system includes a sprocket wheel `55 mounted on the dnive shaft 56 of the motor which engages ka chain 57 which in 4turn engages a larger second sprocket wheel 58 mounted on a second shaft 59 extending parallel `to `the `motor drive shaft. This second shaft isV provided with a third sprocket wheel 60 of rerduced diameter which engages a second chain 61 running to a larger fourth sprocket wheel 62 mounted on a :third shaft`63 extending parallel to the two previously mentioned shafts. This third shaft, as is the case with theother two previously mentioned shafts, extends in a direction transversely ofthe drum axis and parallel to the driving roller of the conveyor and is displaced from the second shaft y59 towards said conveyor roller. A fifth sprocket wheel 64 of reduced diameter mounted on third shaft 63 engages a third chain `65 which is also engaged by a sixth larger sprocket wheel `66 mounted on the conveyor roller drive shaft 67 which serves to rota-te the conveyor drive roller 19.

It should be noted that all of the electrical fixtures, switches and the like are also of the fire-proof type. Additionally, all of the wires serving to connect the motor with the electrical fixtures and switches are insulated and disposed within conduits l68 designed to effectively shield the -wires from the washing solution being employed.

A pair of automatic carbon dioxide dispensing units are provided in the event that fire should occur. These units are mounted within the tank on its side walls above the solution contained therein. Each unit comprises a carbon dioxide storage tank 69 and a series of connected heat sensitive dispensing jets 70.

The detailed operation of the invention will be understood from the foregoing detailed description Of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Brieliy, the articles to be cleaned, such as the plastic heels mentioned hereinabove, are placed in the hopper passing through the end of the tank adjacent the upper end of the cleaning drum. The heels fall direcly into the drum and are subjected to a lifting, tumbling and scrubbing action by the scrubbing members secured therein. Simultaneously, the washing solution serves to effectively dissolve the foreign matter which is adhered to the articles and is agitated by the action of the scrubbing members.V The articles proceed along the drum to its lower end under the force of gravity whereupon they are immediately deposited into the buckets which pass the lower end of the drum periodically in close proximity thereto. The :buckets are lifted through the washing solution to the top of the tank by the conveyor belt. After reaching the uppermost portion of the conveyor, the buckets are inverted` as they pass over the drive drum releasing the articles contained therein and depositing them outside the tank for collection or for transmittal to the next work station or apparatus location. While this cleaning operation is taking place, the washing solution is constantly being filtered and recirculated back into the tank. Spot checks of the observation cartridge permit the determination of whether the -lter is functioning properly.

In the study and practice of the invention various changes and modifications will undoubtedly occur, and it is understood that changes in the details, materials, combinations and arrangements of elements which have herein been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

As a non-limiting example, other suitable drum and conveyor transmission systems may be employed provided, of course, that they are of the type which effectively preclude the occurrence of static electricity or sparks which could lead to or cause an explosion or lire.

As a further non-limiting example, practice of the invention may determine that alternative bucket arrangements or configurations may be desirable.

As a still further non-limiting example, it may be determined that ventilation means are desirable in the practice of the present invention. Such means can include fans, blowers or the like which may be secured to the apparatus or vused generally in conjunction therewith.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for cleaning a succession of articles, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, in large.` quantities, comprising liquid washing means including a tank containing a suitable washing solution a cleaning drum rotatably supported within Said tank for-rotation about its longitudinal axis said drum being tilted along its said longitudinal axis and being formed with an inlet opening at its upper end and an outlet opening at its lower end for the passage therethrough by gravity of the articles being cleaned,

a plurality of resilient scrubbing members Secured to the interior wall of said drum in a staggered relationship longitudinally of said drum axis, said scrubbing members being positioned for lifting, tumbling and scrubbing said articles as they pass through said `drum while the latter is rotating, said tank containing a sufficient volume of said washing solution to immerse said scrubbing members at some point during the rotation of said drum drive means for rotating said drum about its Said 1ongitudinal axis, and

conveyor means positioned within said tank adjacent the lower end of said drum in close proximity to its said outlet opening for receiving said articles imme diately upon exiting said drum and for lifting said articles out of said tank for deposit without.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including means for continuously withdrawing quantities of said washing solution from said tank, filtering said withdrawn solution and returning said filtered solution to the interior of said tank for re-use.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said conveyor is driven by a frictionless transmission system pow ered, in turn, by an explosion-proof motor and said cleaning drum drive means similarly comprises a frictionless transmission system powered by an explosion-proof motor.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, said drum drive system including a ring gear encircling the outer surface of said drum in a plane perpendicularly intersected by the drum axis of rotation, a pinion gear in driving engagement with said ring gear mounted on a drum drive shaft extending parallel to said drum axis, andl a series of chain driven shafts employed for transmitting the torque developed by said motor to said drum drive shaft.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 including heat sen sitive carbon dioxide dispensing means secured to the interior wall of said tank above said washing solution.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said conveyor includes an endless conveyor belt mounted upon a pair of rollers spaced a-part at the top and bottom of said tank, the bottom of said rollers being disposed forwardly of said top roller causing said belt to move upwardly in a plane inclined away from said drum, said belt being provided with a plurality of perforated buckets spaced apart along its outer surface adapted to receive the articles as they exit said drum and to lift said articles out of said tank without lremoving any of said washing solution.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said articles enter said cleaning drum via a chute inserted in the tank wall adjacent the upper end of said drum.

(References on following page) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Eberts 15-3.'11

Ranney 15-3.11 Curran 134-153 XR McCargar 134-153 Foster 134-67 vCurrie 15-305 XR Heyman 134-153 XR Harris 134`153 XR vNelson 15-305 XR CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.` R. I. SMITH, Assistant Examiner. 

